Shy

[quote name='John']I might see if I can get an El Kabong costume together and hit up a few costume contests.[/QUOTE][size=1]Will you marry me? Anyway, I doubt I'll be dressing up this year. However, I'll probably force my Bulldog to dress up at least one night this month. I'm thinking either a ballerina or Tinkerbell. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Uh-oh! Now what are we going to do? :moron: -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Darren']School, Work, College, Speech/Drama, Honor Club, History Day Club, Yearbook, Newspaper, and ALL MY EXTRA-CARRICULARS takes up about 14 to 18 hours of my day constantly! Not to mention, that I've got to get my stuff together to apply for colleges and stuff. You can imagine how stressed/tired/crabby/anxious I am. Not to mention that I've lost a lot of weight (to my already measly 135) and I look like I'm strung out on drugs now... I'm sorry, but I'm sure you understand that senior year is a hell hole of stress and that's where my number one priority is right now.[/QUOTE][size=1]Ugh. Senior year was a mess for me, so you have my complete sympathies. I just meant to say that the game is more fun when more people are posting in it. Hopefully you can find some time to get a post or two in, but if not I understand. I withdraw my statement, and will now start pestering Beth to post instead. :p -Shy[/size]

[size=1][center][img]http://otakuboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=26421&stc=1&d=1192644393[/img][/center] [b]June Bug[/b] [LIST] [*]1 oz. Midori [*]3/4 oz. Banana Liqeur [*]3/4 oz. Coconut Rum [*]1 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix. [*]1 oz. Pineapple Juice. [/LIST] I'm a fan of girly drinks, so I'll usually go with something colorful full of rum or vodka. This past weekend I discovered the Sake-tini (which is like a regular gin martini, only with sake instead of vermouth.) it was amazing! I don't really care for coffee liqeur, but if you're going to drink it you should try the Starbucks brand coffee liquer that they sell these days. Yum. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]My only concern is that over time earning cards will become virtually impossible due to the way the point system is structured. That, and Darren doesn't post enough. Otherwise I'm enjoying myself so far, but only because my last post earned me some points. Heh. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='James'][color=#606060]Although I also like the new stuff, I do miss some of the RPG groups we used to have. Out of anything that's probably what I miss most.[/color][/QUOTE][size=1]While I miss a lot of the old RP-ers I'm actually pretty fond of my current "RPG group." I'm lucky enough to be in three different RPGs with members of the Utah Crew (Rach, Mom, indifference, etc.) and I can honestly say I'm having more fun in The Arena now than I was when I moderated the place. There are so many talented writers here, I just wish they would post more often. OB RPGs, like a fine wine, only seem to get better with age. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]We'll see how Ash fares now that he is cursed with Madness. Controlling his Bloodlust was difficult enough, how about now? -Shy[/size]

[size=1][indent]"[b]Do you feel it?[/b]" Jachym asked the others, fixated on the game. Illyria raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "[b]What are you talking about?[/b]" "[b]The tides are changing, brother. A great darkness is approaching...[/b]" "[b]There is no question about that,[/b] the God of Madness replied softly, "[b]I only wish you hadn't spoiled the surprise..."[/b] [center][img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-marta.jpg[/img] [img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-ash.png[/img] [img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-chohee.jpg[/img][/center] Ash and Marta stepped through the doorway only to find themselves in another strange setting. The simple room was now replaced with a cold and desolate mountainside. It was late in the afternoon, and a cold breeze swept across the mountain. Marta took off her jacket and handed it to Ash. “[b]What are you doing?[/b]” the young man asked, “[b]Aren’t you going to be cold?[/b]” Marta turned her head and sighed. “[b]You need it more than I do. And besides, since this… this [I]curse[/I], I’m finding it harder and harder to feel anything at all.[/b]” “[b]My own feelings are becoming stronger and stronger, Marta. The darkest thoughts are coming into my head, and it’s starting to scare me…[/b]” The woman nodded. “[b]You have to be strong, Ash. When I found out that my husband had cheated on me, I wanted to kill him. If you give into that hate you’re going to hurt someone...[/b]” Ash considered what Marta had said as they walked up the mountain together. They had no idea where they were going, but it was agreed that reaching higher ground would probably be safer. Marta seemed lost in thought as she continued walking. “[b]Are you okay, Marta?[/b]” It took a moment for Ash’s voice to register in her head. She finally turned towards him. “[b]What?[/b]” “[b]You seem bothered by something. What is it?[/b]” “[b]I don’t know if I feel like talking about it…[/b]” “[b]Marta, please,[/b]” Ash said as he extended his hands towards her, “[b]I know you’re not a mean, evil woman. Something is turning us against one another. It has to be. You need to talk about what‘s bothering you.[/b]” Marta held onto the boy’s hand tightly. “[b]It’s not that simple; if Joe hadn’t died it would have been me. There was no choice.[/b]” Ash’s eyes widened in disbelief. “[b]You killed him, didn’t you?[/b]” “[b]…I had no choice! Do you think I wanted to kill them?[/b]” Ash pulled his hand away suddenly. “[b]Them?! Who else have you killed?[/b]” “[b]It’s not like that, Ash. They betrayed me, they all did![/b]” she screamed, “[b]It’s not as if I wanted them dead, I just wasn‘t strong enough to fight it...[/b]” “[b]Don’t you think that’s how I feel, Marta? This anger is uncontrollable, if someone crosses me… I don‘t know what I‘ll do to them.[/b]” Ash wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead. “[b]We need to be strong for one another. Whatever you’d done in the past, we have to move on. I can forgive you if you just promise to move on. I need you.[/b]” Marta turned to the young man with a look of shock in her eyes. She had struggled with the death of her husband and his mistress for so long, but never had anyone been willing to offer her forgiveness. “[b]The burden you’re carrying is greater than anything I can give you,[/b]” he said softly, “[b]Maybe we’re all in this place to atone for past sins.[/b]” Just then a familiar Asian female appeared from around the corner of the winding dirt road. Cho Hee, shivering from the cold, immediately spotted Marta and Ash, and sighed. [I]This madness is going to affect them as well, won’t it?[/i] she asked herself as she cautiously approached. “[b]Hello you two,[/b]” Cho Hee said, feigning a smile, “[b]I was walking along a road, and somehow I ended up here. I wonder if I had gotten lost again…[/b]” Ash stared at the young woman with an intensity that Cho Hee had seen many times before. His hands started trembling as he looked at the girl, filled with rage and lust. “[b]You bitch![/b]” he shouted as he raised his fist in anger, “[b]You struck me before. You think you can just walk up and pretend nothing happened?![/b]” “[b]Ash, please![/b]” Marta pleaded, “[b]Keep your emotions under control![/b]” He shoved Marta and began walking towards Cho Hee, “[b]Not with this bitch here! She needs to pay for disrespecting me![/b]” “[b]You need to calm down,[/b]” Cho Hee replied nervously, “[b]You really don’t want to hurt me, you fool. It’s this place that‘s doing it to us.[/b]” Ash wrapped his hands around the young woman’s neck, and began shaking her violently. “[b]Who’s the fool now, huh?[/b]” he said as he began to laugh, “[b]Now who is in control?[/b]” Marta quickly pulled Ash away from the young woman, who collapsed onto the ground. “[b]Please, Ash! What are you doing?[/b]” He smiled as he pushed her away. “[b]I have to kill her. There’s no choice.[/b]” “[b]Of course you have a choice, Ash. We all do![/b]” “[b]What about your husband? What about Joe?[/b]” Cho Hee grabbed her throat, and began breathing heavily as she stood up. With a panicked look in her eyes she fled down the mountain road in tears. Marta wrapped her arms around Ash as he struggled to follow after her. “[b]Those were mistakes. I wasn’t strong enough to beat this, but you are. You have to trust me.[/b]” “[b]Please let me go! I need to finish this…[/b]” “[b]Stop right now, Ash! You were going to kill her![/b]” “[b]I don’t care. The bitch deserved it.[/b]” The two continued to struggle for a few moments, violently twisting and turning as Marta tried to subdue Ash. Eventually he stopped trying to fight as she held him pinned against the ground. Suddenly the young man began to cry. “[b]Oh my God. What am I becoming?[/b]” Marta sighed as she let go of him, “[b]It’s not you. It‘s this terrible place.[/b]” “[b]The feelings were real, Marta,[/b]” he said with a frightened expression on his face, “[b]You saved that girl’s life. You saved me.[/b]” “[b]None of us are safe here, Ash. We need to stick together if we’re to overcome our inner demons.[/b]” The two locked eyes as the boy wiped the tears from his face. He knew that if it weren’t for her, he would have done the unthinkable. Marta looked up to the eyes and prayed for strength. The Gods were listening, but not a single soul would be spared that night. [center][img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-bloodlustcard.png[/img] [img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-madnesscard.png[/img] [img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-ash.png[/img][/center][/size][/indent]

[size=1][indent]Colin and Bright Eyes had left Maia?s home early the next morning. The kind old woman had taken a liking to the boy and his dog, but knew it was only a temporary arrangement. Sales from her trip the market had been poor; and there was no way Maia could take care of Colin at her age. Giving them what little money Maia could spare, the two set off towards Espalo in an oversized set of clothes belonging to her late husband. Even Bright Eyes was given a new handkerchief to wrap around her neck. Espalo was a city of many things to its? citizens. To some it was a chance for a new life, while for others it seemed like a prison. What was once a city of limitless potential had started to fall apart in recent years. Thousands of former slaves have crowded the city, demanding equal rights and city services. It was a bureaucratic nightmare, made worse by Espalo officials who had made their livings off of corruption and scandal. For Colin the city of Espalo was a chance to find his family. He had no idea how he would find his parents, but he knew where to begin his search. He had been told the story many times before: an orphan child found along the streets of Espalo with a small dog by his side, but he never knew exactly [I]where[/I] he had been found. It wasn?t until shortly before leaving the farm that his former master had told him of the place: The Joyous Church of the Republic. In a world ruled by the laws of alien science, it seemed like there was no place for God. There were only a handful of churches in Gallana, and it was far from a religious community. The Versillans had made a point of stamping faith over the centuries, destroying many sacred texts and holy sites. As a result, those who practiced their beliefs often did so in secret, constantly in fear of being caught and executed. Centuries passed, and the humans continued their fight for independence The Joyous Church of the Republic was rebuilt as a symbol of this renewed freedom, even though many of its? most fundamental teachings had been lost to the ages. It was a plain-looking building, made of a faded white stone with many cracks in it. At night it was a home to prostitutes and the homeless, but on quiet mornings like this it was a sanctuary from the turmoil that faced the rest of Gallana. Colin wondered if his parents belonged to the church, or knew someone who did. So much time had passed since he had been left on the steps of the building, it seemed unlikely that anyone would recognize him. The church was quiet, save for a few elderly patrons lost in prayer. A few colorful embroideries lined the wall, promoting Gods that Colin had never heard of before. At the end of the building was a beautiful dark-skinned woman, draped in a flowing, white linen gown. She looked at the boy and his dog, and smiled. ?[b]Are you lost, child?[/b]? She asked curiously. Colin shrugged. ?[b]We?re not lost, ma?am. My name is Colin, and this is Bright Eyes. We?ve been trying to get here for a long time,[/b]? The woman patted Bright Eyes on the head. ?[b]Well of course you were, Colin![/b]? she said as she laughed, ?[b]After all, all roads in life lead through divinity. You can call me Theela.[/b]? ?[b]No. We?re not here to pray. We?re here to find my parents.[/b]? ?[b]I don?t understand.[/b]? ?[b]I was left here, when I was a baby,[/b]? Colin replied anxiously, ?[b]Do you know who my parents are?[/b]? Theela?s demeanor turned sour as she thought to herself for a moment. She placed her hand on the boy?s shoulder, and kneeled down by his side. ?[b]I?m afraid I don?t, but maybe I may know someone who does.[/b]? The boy?s eyes widened. ?[b]You do?[/b]? ?[b]I [I]may[/I]. We can ask the Tribune when they arrive for afternoon services? if you were found here when you were a baby, they would know.[/b]? Bright Eyes wagged her tail enthusiastically as Colin wrapped his arms around the woman, clutching onto her tightly. ?[b]Thank you! Thank you! Thank you![/b]?[/size][/indent]

[size=1]Can you take a few pictures of that iguana, Japan? It fascinates me. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Solo Tremaine'][SIZE=2][color=#503F86]I wasn't there from the beginning though, so I'd need info on when it started and who first moderated it and stuff (it was you, Ginny and Digital_Monster when I started, as I recall), as well as any anecdotes you want to share.[/color][/SIZE][/QUOTE][size=1]I think Renee and Angel Saturn Healer were the first Digimods, although I might be wrong about that. Send me a PM and perhaps we can work on it together? [b]AzureWolf[/b] AzureWolf is a member best known for both his contributions to OB discussion and his argumentative nature. He originally joined OtakuBoards on May 21, 2003 as a way to discuss the .hack.//SIGN anime series. It was in the short-lived .hack//SIGN forum that he helped to create the .hack//Directory, OB’s first thread directory. When that forum was closed AzureWolf found himself posting regularly in both the Art Studio and General Discussion forums. He is notorious for his aggressive style of discussion, which often put him at odds with both members and staff. This is most evident in threads about OB (such as “Moderation”) where he engages in lengthy arguments over the most trivial of things. In spite of this (or perhaps because of it) he was awarded for his contributions to OB discussion during the 2005 OtakuBoards Nifty Fifty: [quote name='Solo Tremaine']He's cynical, oft mistaken as being female and has a grudge against OBv7, but Azure still remains one of the most charming members of the board. I enjoy reading his posts, especially as he's one of the few people I know who'll make full use of the 'Reason for Editing Post' feature." -Solo Tremaine[/quote] AzureWolf was also a prominent member of the myOtaku community early in the site’s history. Ironically it is there, rather than OB, where he formed some of his closest friendships with OB’s members. He remains active in Otaku Lounge to this day, occasionally venturing outside of the forum to post about other topics. [u]Trivia:[/u] Newer and less informed members often think that AzureWolf is a girl. This is not the case.[/size]

[quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]Lots of whining in hideous font.[/color][/quote][size=1]You can always be the Administrator of Arousment? I prefer the word 'Arousal,' but eh, whatever. You're the boss! -Shy[/size]

[size=1][indent]Illyria rolled her eyes as she transformed from a beautiful woman into a small boy. “[b]Celesta thinks she can draw us out like so easily,[/b]” he said dryly, “[b]Surely you have more faith in us than that.[/b] Celesta grinned. “[b]Like a rat, a God will reveal themselves when faced with no other option.[/b] “[b]We all play this game in our own way, sister. Just remember that it was a dead rodent which caused the plague.[/b]” [center][img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-nagi.png[/img] [img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-patrick.jpg[/img][/center] Patrick Malone woke up with a pounding headache. No longer was he in the strange marble city but somewhere even more unfamiliar. Somehow he had ended up in a small red temple, illuminating by the light of a few small candles. Scrolls and paintings lined the walls, written in a language he couldn’t understand, all leading up to a simple stone alter. Resting in the temple was Kirima, who seemed lost in meditation. “[b]Kirima?[/b]” the young man asked as he removed the linen sheet draped around him, “[b]Where are we?[/b]” She turned around and smiled. “[b]You’re finally awake, are you? Good.[/b]” Patrick immediately noticed something different about the girl. No longer was she in the simple robe that she had been before, now Kirima was wearing in a beautiful blue dress. Not only that but her wounds appeared to be fully healed. She walked over to Patrick carrying a small tray of rice and fish as he wondered exactly how long he had been unconscious. “[b]I found some food in the temple and made us something to eat,[/b]” she said as she placed the tray on his lap, “[b]I hope you like fish![/b]” Immediately the young man began to wolf down the food in front of him. It had been so long since he had something decent to eat, let alone someone kind enough to prepare it for him. Kirima laughed as she watched Patrick inhale his breakfast. "[b]Wow you must be hungry. This is the kind of food my Mother makes me in the morning.[/b]" “[b]Thank you. It's delicious.[/b]” he said between bites of fish, “[b]Where is everyone?[/b]” She turned her head away, “[b]I don‘t know. When I woke up it was just us.[/b]” “[b]And where are we?[/b]” “[b]It looks like my temple from Japan, but it’s not. I don’t know any of the Gods in the writings.[/b]” “[b]You mean you know how to read these scrolls?[/b]” “[b]Oh sure! Can’t you?[/b]” Kirima walked over to the wall and began to read from it. “[b][I]When the world was born there was darkness. Nothing. Then the great Goddess came, and she created life. And with the gift of life also came the gift of death. Each God gave a different gift to man, but with each gift the world became darker and darker...[/I][/b]” “[b]It says there are 8 Gods and 16 souls. [I]With each death they are one step closer to… Ragnarok…[/I][/b]’” Patrick scratched his head. “[b]16 souls, huh? Do you think that’s us?[/b]” “[b][I]…7 sins, 7 virtues… and 7 deaths… then the kaijin will be set free…[/b][/i]” “[b]What is a '[i]kaijin[/i]?[/b]”' The small temple suddenly began to shake violently, causing Kirima to stumble. Patrick jumped to his feet to grab the girl before she fell. A pair of scrolls dropped from the wall, quickly catching fire against one of the candles. In an instant the only entrance to the temple was covered in flames. “[b]It’s happening all over again![/b]” Patrick shouted, “[b]Shit![/b]” Kirima looked up to the young man, her eyes full of tears. “[b]It’s like my dream, isn’t it? I‘m going to die again![/b]” He clutched onto Kirima tightly as the shaking continued. His eyes narrowed as he stared into the blaze, trying to figure a way out. “[b]I’m scared, Patrick.[/b]” “[b]Me too, Kirima, but we have to be brave. Do you trust me?[/b]” The girl nodded. “[b]Okay,[/b]” he said as he grabbed his sheet off of the ground, covering them both in it, “[b]Take a deep breath for me…[/b]” He clutched onto Kirima tightly, and whispered a lullaby into her ear as he rushed headfirst into the fire. The heat was unbearable, but he knew that he had to continue moving forward for both of them. Soon the feeling of heat surrounding him was gone, replaced with an eerie calm. He removed the blanket and looked around. The burning temple was nowhere to be seen. “[b]How did you do that?[/b]” Kirima asked as she was set down, “[b]You’re my hero![/b]” Patrick looked around nervously, trying to get a bearing on his surroundings. They looked to be on a simple dirt trail along a rocky mountainside. Below the mountain was a large river, and it looks as if the trail was leading them downhill. “[b]I.. I don’t know Kirima,[/b]” he replied, “[b]But we did it together, right?[/b]” The young girl smiled. “[b]The Gods protected us so that we could find the others.[/b]” “[b]Maybe they did, Kirima. Now let’s get out of here before it gets any colder.[/b]” A proud sense of accomplishment washed over the young man. He had confronted his own fears and saved them both, but the words that Kirima had read sat in the back of his mind. Whatever the kaijin, or the Ragnarok was, he would have to try and be prepared for them. For both of their sakes.[/size][/indent]

[quote name='James'][color=#606060]And Big the Cat? From Sonic Adventure? Er...someone actually liked him? Haha. :catgirl:[/color][/QUOTE][size=1]Aside from Knuckles (who I've always hated) I am quite fond of all of the Sonic Adventure characters. It's just a shame that the game was such crap. As for the developer "pandering" to the fanboys out there with this game, isn't that the whole point of Super Smash Brothers? There's never been a legitimate attempt to give the games a story. It's always just been a decent fighting game engine dressed up with extremely marketable characters. I do understand that adding more humanoid characters to the game might throw things off a bit, but I'm ore than willing to deal with it. Third-string or not, the more characters the better. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='James'][color=#606060]What makes this all the more weird is that Japan seems to be the only country on Earth to have so many bizarre options for sex-related products.[/color][/QUOTE][size=1]Have you heard about the Hello Kitty vibrators they sell in Japan? I had always assumed they were normal vibrators with a logo on it or something, but I saw them online recently and they are [i]shaped like Hello Kitty[/i]. I'm the first to admit that I don't know a lot about the female anatomy, but can anyone explain to me how stuffing a cat up there would provide any sort of stimulation? Girls are weird. -Shy [b]Edit:[/b] [url=http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/fleshbot-tests-the-hello-kitty-vibrator-verdict-great-for-hello-clitty-not-so-good-for-hello-cooty-302004.php]Here (link!)[/url] is what the darn things look like.[/size]

[quote name='James'][color=#606060]Does anyone have a character or two they would still like to see added to the ever-growing roster?[/color][/QUOTE][size=1]Since SEGA characters are (potentially) on the table now, I'd love to see Ulala from Space Channel 5. Other fun SEGA characters might the Jet Set Radio crew, that purple thing from NIGHTS, and Ax Battler from Golden Axe. And Bigs the Cat, Bigs the Cat is awesome. As for Nintendo characters, the Captain Olimar suggestion from Alex was pretty good. I know that I'd love to play as Magikoopa. [b]Allamorph:[/b] Do you think that having Diddy Kong in the game is any indication that we might get some other Rare characters? Personally I hate Conker and Banjo-Kazooie, but they'd be a good fit for this game. Those Jet Force Gemini kids might have a fun move set as well. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Okay, I'm pretty sure that after reading this thread that I'm going to be flaccid for the rest of my life. Ew. Thanks OtakuBoards! -Shy[/size] :(

[quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]By the way, did anyone else hear that SSBB has been delayed until January 24, 2008, in Japan? And now the release date on Smash Bros. Dojo's English site has been changed back to TBD from the previous December 3, 2007, date. This makes the Des sad. :animedepr[/color][/QUOTE][size=1]I did read that. [url=http://orangelazarus.com/2007/10/sonic-brawl.php][Link!][/url] If the Japanese version is delayed until the end of January, I can't imagine we'll get it in the US until at least March. Sonic being in this game is a great thing. I wonder we'll get some other classic Sega characters as well. -Shy[/size]

[img]http://www.wlac.edu/westside/images/Photos/Studying%20Math-two%20girls.jpg[/img] [size=1]Numbers have no power over women, who score lower on standardized tests than men do in Math and Science. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Revolver'][COLOR="Olive"]It's okay Shy. If you're ugly, we won't respect you any less. :p [/COLOR][/QUOTE][size=1]No, I'm actually pretty damn good looking. It's mostly the lack of owning a cowboy hat that keeps me from living out my fantasies. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]I know that when I read my own fan-fiction I start to believe that I'm a terribly handsome cowboy assassin in real life. Sadly that is not the case (I don't even own a cowboy hat, for one.) -Shy[/size] :(

[quote name='Rachmaninoff']It's just you. :p That and in order to weed out the competition one has no choice but to consistently be mean. lol It's hard enough to counter all the nice things those of you who are going after life points are doing. Let alone making the story more coherent in the process. XP [/QUOTE][size=1]That's very true, although I think everyone is getting some good character bits in each of their posts. I must admit that the marble city is getting a little dull for me, though. I hope nobody minds if I burn it down in my next post (or something.) Does anyone have any ideas for a new location we can torture our characters in?[/size][quote name='Rachmaninoffington']OOC: In other words the owner of el sicko dude had better cure him in the next three posts. Even if Christopher is not in the posts in question or even mentioned, once three posts have gone up after this one, he dies.[/quote][size=1]I was curious if you could clarify how this healing is done, Sandy. Does it require a life card, a healing power (like Jamie's) or can it be accomplished through simple RP-ing? That's not to say I have any intentions of helping out Christopher. I kinda hope the bastard dies. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]My goodness this RPG is getting dark! Maybe it's just me trying to earn some life points, but you kids are out of control. I'll definitely have to watch my back with all of the death points everyone seems to be earning. -Shy[/size] :whoops:

[size=1][indent]Raone glared at Ilyria, catching the God of Madness by surprise. “[b]Is something the matter, dear sister?[/b]” Illyria asked. “[b]It is none of your concern, trickster,[/b] Raone replied, “[b]I look into some of these mortals’ souls and I know they are not the violent, pained people they appear to be. What we are doing to them seems cruel, and against their nature.[/b]” “[b]And what of the others?[/b]” “[b]Excuse me?[/b]” “[b]You said [I]some[/I],[/b] Illyria replied with a mischievous grin, “[b]Surely not all of these mortals are the saints you portray them as.[/b]” “[b]Yes… the others. When I look into their souls I see a darkness that is all too familiar: greed and scorn, betrayal and evil. There is no love, and no remorse.[/b]" Raone sighed. "[b]When I look into their souls I see you, brother.[/b]” [center][img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-naomi.png[/img] [img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-charles.jpg[/img][/center] Naomi and Charles had been walking through the jungle for several hours, but were no closer to reaching their destination than when they began their journey. Both of them were beginning to worry that they were lost, although neither seemed willing to vocalize this concern. Charles was furious at the young woman; for all he knew Jamie could have died already because he hadn’t been able to find help. He knew that her threat of turning him in was an empty one, but still the fear of being captured again paralyzed him. “[b]Do you have any idea where we are?[/b]” Naomi said with a sigh, “[b]None of this makes sense at all. We were only following the road…[/b]” The jungle’s thick, enormous trees had managed to hide the sun, casting a shadow over the land. It was getting dark, and Naomi began to worry. She had seen so many awful things in this place already; no doubt there would be more to follow if they didn’t find shelter. “[b]I don’t know where we be, Miss Naomi,[/b]” Charles replied as noticed a set of footprints in the ground, “[b]My oh my, look at this.[/b]” The footprints were enormous, bigger than most of the trees surrounding them, and heading in the direction that they were. Charles had never even heard of a creature so large. He felt a cold chill roll down his backside. “[b]Damn![/b]” Naomi exclaimed, “[b]It looks like something from a storybook…[/b]” Suddenly a loud roar could be heard from the distance, startling both Charles and Naomi. She immediately began to panic. “[b]We need to go back. It sounds like it’s-- oof![/b]” Naomi took a few steps back before tripping on something in the brush. Charles helped the young woman to her feet, strangely fixated on the ground. “[b]You’re right, Miss Naomi,[/b]” he said nervously, “[b]We best get back to the city where it’s safe.[/b]” She reached for her right ankle and cringed in pain. “[b]Shit. I think I twisted it. What are we going to--?[/b]” She turned her gaze towards the ground, suddenly realizing what she had stumbled over. The body of a young Asian girl, no older than Naomi, was mangled and strewn across the forest floor. She stared into the eyes of the corpse for a moment, terrified. “[b]It’s gonna be alright, girl. Just look away. We need to get going.[/b]“ “[b]This is what‘s going to happen to all of us, isn‘t it?[/b]“ Charles reached his arms around Naomi to try to comfort her as she began to kick and scream in terror. “[b]Miss Naomi![/b]” he held onto her tightly as tears starting flowing from her eyes. “[b]I’m so sorry, Charles,[/b]” she bawled, “[b]I’m so sorry I brought you here, and now I don’t know if I can walk. We‘re going to die aren‘t we?[/b]” The young man carried her over to a small clearing off of the road and eased her back onto the ground. “[b]Hush girl and look at me,[/b]” he replied as he eased her back onto the ground, “[b] Now Let me see your leg.[/b]” Charles removed his tattered shirt and began ripping it into small bandages. He carefully wrapped up Naomi’s ankle, feeling it for a moment to make sure that nothing was broken. Naomi eventually stopped crying, comforted by the young man’s gentle touch. “[b]I dun’ think you’re too hurt,[/b] he said, “[b]Just put your arm around me while we walk so things dun’ get worse.[/b]” The two shared a glance, and Naomi smiled. “[b]Why… why are you being so nice to me? Why didn‘t you just run away?[/b]” “[b]My Mama taught me to be good. I‘m not gonna leave you in this forest by yerself.[/b]” "[b]Then you're a better person than I am, Charles. Let's go.[/b]" Naomi wrapped her arm around Charles as they both rose to their feet. He said a silent prayer for the dead girl, and they continued their walk towards the city.[/size][/indent]

[quote name='The Blue Jihad']In terms of newcomers that haven't been announced already, I'm looking at Krystal, King Dedede, Captain Olimar, , Bowser Jr., Mii (some option for them), Young Link (WW form) and probably King K. Rool or whatever the **** his name is.[/QUOTE][size=1]Captain Olimar seems like a very likely choice. While were on the subject I'd love to see a Pikmin-inspired level where people get eaten by giant birds and such. I can't imagine losing a lot of characters, either. Maybe some of the duplicates will go (like Pichu and Roy,) but characters like Game & Watch add a lot of flavor to the game. I know he was one of my favorite additions to Melee, even if his move set was awful. The more characters the better. Personally I think the assist trophies are the most interesting new feature (next to online play, of course.) It reminds me of the Marvel vs. Capcom series, although hopefully these assists are more useful than most of those turned out to be. The Excitebike assist trophy previewed so far was awesome. I hope we can get some similar ones for Wave Race and Pilotwings. -Shy[/size]